Pigskin Thanks

When someone says, "If the playoffs started today…", are they doing it as a charm, or as a suspected omen?

Like a kind of, "Can you believe this team is in the playoffs?" thing?

Yeah. That sounds about right.

This season has been the wildest ride with my pigskin heroes since 2001. You know. Back in the day when some people still thought Drew Bledsoe should be the starting QB for the New England Patriots. Back in the day when New England Patriots fans had no expectations for their pigskin heroes and whose vain hopes were simply not to be humiliated on the national stage. Those Patriots were the crazy ex-girlfriend we took back no matter how many times - or how badly - they hurt us. Then we met someone new; a team with a great defense, special teams that put points on the board, and a risk-averse offense that was just trying to burn some clock, and get into field goal range. 

The girl we fell in love with and married.

Recency bias notwithstanding: Sound familiar?

Given the game is played by human beings, we shouldn't underestimate just how much that "ugly" win over the Jets impacted the psychological framework for this Patriots team and their ability - going forward - to succeed regardless of the situation. Adversity is a resilient and relentless foe. It's best faced with confidence, the confidence that comes from overcoming the Pigskin Fates in past encounters.

Mentally tough.

Belichick Ball.

It is ugly. It's frustrating. Confounding. Triggering. It's like waiting for that itch in your left arm to become a full blown heart attack. Or waiting for the parachute to open. It's edge of the seat, chewed up all my fingernails, sweat right through my hoodie, why isn't the vodka helping insanity. 

And I am so here for it.

Because when the magic works, there is nothing better than the sensation of endorphins flooding your brain at the moment it happens… Touchdown!

Go Pats!

Make it a Happy Thanksgiving (at least in New England)!